The Best Boutique Hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan

Badam d’Art Hotel is the best place in Baku to stay if you’re looking for a superb view of the city. The hotel is built atop a high hill – admittedly, it’s a tough uphill walk – but the prominent location offers uninterrupted views along Baku’s seafront boulevard, over the Old Town and over the Eurovision song contest arena. As well as private terraces and lovely green gardens, this boutique hotel also offers a hammam and spa centre, an outdoor swimming pool and handcrafted Azeri-inspired cocktails at the bar.

Boutique and value don’t often go together, but the Smith Hotel in Baku combines both. This is a great option for budget travellers looking for spacious rooms, plus it’s just a short walk away from the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Offering retro decor and a homely atmosphere, this is the place to wind down with a cup of tea and a slice of baklava after a long day of sightseeing in Baku.

Travellers looking for a taste of Azeri culture can book into the Theatrum Hotel Baku, a boutique hotel located next to the Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theatre. The theatre dates back to the 19th century, and primarily puts on Russian language plays and performances – a throwback to the days of the Russian Empire. Enjoy Azerbaijani and Turkish cuisine at Theatrum Hotel Baku’s restaurant before spending the evening at the theatre, then retire to your room for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Boutique 19 is a five-star hotel within a grand, historic building next to the outer walls of Baku’s Old Town. The outward architectural design and interior decor of Boutique 19 takes you back in time to the 19th century – but the amenities provided are definitely 21st-century. Mixing old and new, the corridors of the hotel feature photographs from an exhibition named A Window to the Past, showcasing photos of Baku and other global cities past and present. Guests can enjoy more than the decor though – there’s an indoor swimming pool, fitness room and a boutique bar.

Passage Boutique Hotel, just around the corner from Baku’s Fountain Square, is the place to stay if you’re looking to see the best of both the old and new city. You’re just 10 minutes’ walk from the main 12th-century gateway into Icherisheher, the Old Town, but you’re also just metres away from Nizami Street – an endless avenue of shops and restaurants. The hotel offers a range of rooms that blend traditional Azeri style with modern amenities, while the restaurant cooks up a menu of Azerbaijani dishes that will leave your mouth watering.

Slightly outside the city centre, Teatro Boutique Hotel gives guests a comfortable experience when visiting Baku. All rooms have a modern design with new furniture inside this halal-friendly, 40-room hotel. On-site restaurants on Teatro’s terrace makes a scenic spot to dine al fresco during warm nights. Other amenities include access to a fitness centre, sauna, hammam and a twice-daily shuttle to the city centre. Guests often highly rate Teatro Boutique for the excellent value, impeccable service and delicious buffet-style breakfast.

Enjoy a personalised experience inside this small boutique hotel in Baku inside Icherisheher. Apart from the perfect location, Deniz Inn exudes the feeling of a family-run hotel – with a total of just six cosy rooms on four floors. Balconies and a rooftop terrace provide views of the Old Town, Maiden Tower and the Caspian Sea. A buffet-style breakfast and an on-site cafe are also highlights in this boutique housed in a former mansion.

Boutique Hotel, Baku might be located amongst the hustle of downtown Baku – but the luxury accommodation is a tranquil retreat from the city centre. The hotel’s individually decorated rooms are all found on a quiet side street that’s within walking distance of Nizami Street, Baku’s major shopping, eating and entertainment area. But you don’t need to leave the hotel to enjoy a taste of excellent Azeri food – Boutique Hotel offers guests an extensive menu of local dishes at the top floor Iguana Restaurant and Bar.

The Two Seasons Boutique Hotel is all about the location: this Old Town favourite is found within the 12th-century medieval walls of Icherisheher. The building might be historic, but the rooms themselves are decidedly modern in character. Book into a room with a terrace – from your private balcony you’ll see the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and, in the distance, the Caspian Sea.

Old Street Boutique Hotel is one for the history buffs, as this four-star hotel is located right in the centre of Icherisheher. The hotel is surrounded by heritage – walk through the winding streets of Icherisheher and you’ll find yourself in the shadow of ancient city walls and Islamic palaces. Head back to the Old Street Boutique Hotel for sunset, where you can enjoy a sweeping vista of Baku from the hotel’s terrace bar and restaurant.

The sophisticated ambience and elegance inside Museum Inn isn’t the only feature attracting guests to this fashionable boutique hotel in Baku – Museum Inn also has a stellar location right in the heart of Icherisheher. For a surprisingly affordable price, guests have views of the Caspian Sea and the Old Town. With a total of just eight rooms, each has an old-world decor and an intimate atmosphere.